Senate eyes Saturday budget hearings to make up for work disruptions

The Senate is considering holding committee hearings on the proposed 2027 national budget on Saturdays to make up for workdays suspended or shortened due to inclement weather.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said such work disruptions are a concern for the legislative calendar, especially as the Senate is set to begin deliberations on the proposed budget.

“Yes, it’s really a concern. It’s the same with the impeachment proceedings because time is of the essence. When there are days like this when there is no work or an early dismissal, the items on the agenda don’t get discussed,” he said in an ambush interview.

“Worse comes to worst, we can make Saturdays an option for budget hearings if it’s really necessary,” he added.

Gatchalian also emphasized that the safety of Senate employees remains a priority amid the weather disturbances.

The Senate on Monday, August 17, shortened its working hours due to the effects of the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. In an advisory signed by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr., Gatchalian authorized employees to leave the office beginning at 4 p.m.

Impeachment trial

As for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Gatchalian said the schedule remains on track for now.

"As we go along, we will monitor whether additional days or longer hours will be needed. So far, everything is okay. We’ll take it day by day since we cannot predict the weather,” he said.

Impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol, meanwhile, said the possibility of conducting virtual impeachment hearings is not provided for under the impeachment rules.

“Even in ordinary courts, this is done only by exception. Before a video conferencing hearing can be allowed, either party must file a motion and provide a reasonable or justifiable reason why an online or virtual hearing is necessary,” Tongol said in a press conference.

“So, if the impeachment court follows the same approach, a motion would likely need to be filed. A justifiable reason and a legal basis would also need to be presented to warrant allowing an online hearing,” he added. — MCG, GMA News